Must-See Hampshire Gardens

Days like this, little forays away from the everyday promise to lighten life a little, slow the mind and re-inspire. That’s certainly the charm of a in the New Forest.

With so many local attractions on our doorstep, choose between the renowned National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, with more than 250 vehicles on show as well as its meticulously cared for grounds and gardens, and the historic and beautiful 'Palace House' and medieval Beaulieu Abbey. Or choose to venture to the celebrated grounds, meadows, and woodland of Exbury Gardens, created in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild, the distinguished garden offers 200 acres of serene woodland and gardens bursting with life and horticultural variety.

A Hampshire break sets the stage for an idyllic weekend in the New Forest National Park, however for the very green-fingered guests perhaps you’ll look to find the time to visit a few more wonderful Hampshire gardens during your New Forest break, in which case, here are just a few must-visit gardens to add to your list.

The romantic riverside Mottisfont house and garden is a National Trust property located 20 miles from our New Forest hotel near Romsey, Hampshire. The gardens boast a stunning rose collection in the walled garden, beautiful waterside paths, and an ancient spring. Pop into the plant shop to take a little slice of Mottisfont home with you or stay a little later on certain days of the week for their ‘open evenings’ during the summer months, inviting you to sample local wine from Hampshire’s Black Chalk winery or listen to live jazz by the FB Pocket Orchestra.

If you’re headed towards Romsey, perhaps you will enjoy a stop in Ampfield to visit the renowned Hampshire garden - Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. The 180-acre arboretum is located just 18 miles from our hotel with more than 42,000 trees and shrubs, explore the unique grounds, from ‘Acer Valley’ and the delightful ‘Heather Garden’ to the Centenary Border – ‘the longest double mixed border in the country.’

Known as a ‘secret woodland garden,’ less than 12 miles away from our Hampshire hotel near Minstead, within our National Park, is Furzey Gardens. Established in 1922, the small, picturesque, informal Hampshire garden, is fascinating for all ages – ‘a social enterprise, Furzey provides training and work experience for people with learning disabilities’ so entrance fee is a suggested charitable donation. Walk the garden and enjoy the impressive display of rhododendrons and azaleas, trees and shrubs including the magnolia sieboldii and primula pulverulenta.

Another wonderful Hampshire garden is that of Hinton Ampner House near Alresford, around 32 miles from The Montagu Arms. A beautiful home renovated after a fire in the 1960s, manicured lawns surround this charming National Trust property and guests fall in love with its distinctive style. Take in far-reaching views of the South Downs as you wander the grounds past elegant sculptured topiary and, fragrant roses, visit the Kitchen Garden and The Walled Garden lined with apple and pear trees or sit and enjoy the birdsong in the Silent Space.